Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has candidly revealed that one of his most significant football regrets is never having the opportunity to play for Celtic, the club he has supported since childhood. The former England international, now 40, reflected on this during a recent episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, where he also recounted facing severe abuse from Rangers fans due to his allegiance.
Rooney's Illustrious Career and Unfulfilled Dream
Rooney enjoyed a storied 13-year tenure at Manchester United, making 559 appearances and scoring 253 goals, which cemented his status as the club's all-time top scorer. His trophy haul includes five Premier League titles and a Champions League victory, alongside stints at Everton, DC United, and Derby County. Despite these achievements, he expressed a lingering wish to have played for Celtic, describing it as a missed opportunity in his career.
The Atmosphere and Hostility at Celtic Park
When asked about the best atmosphere he has ever experienced, Rooney immediately pointed to Celtic Park, recalling a 2006 match where Manchester United lost 1-0. He praised the incredible energy and passion of the Celtic supporters, which left a lasting impression on him. Conversely, he highlighted the most hostile environment he faced during a 2010 away game against Rangers at Ibrox Stadium.
Rooney explained that his public support for Celtic, including attending Old Firm matches in the Celtic end, made him a target for Rangers fans. He described being "battered" with abuse, especially after a period where he had requested to leave Manchester United before re-signing. During that game, he scored a penalty and celebrated, feeling the hostility directed personally at him rather than just his team.
Social Media Backlash and Regret
The abuse extended to social media, with Rooney noting he was "hammered on Twitter" at the time. He acknowledged that his fandom for Celtic is well-known, and this experience reinforced his regret over never playing for the club. Growing up, he admired Celtic players like Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton, and John Hartson, and he had always envisioned ending his career there.
Rooney stated: "It's probably one of my regrets, not playing for Celtic at some point. During the best part of my career, I always thought I'd love to play for Celtic at the end of my career. Obviously it wasn't to be."Despite his deep-rooted support for Everton as a child, Celtic held a special place in his heart, and he lamented that circumstances prevented him from fulfilling this dream. His reflections offer a rare glimpse into the personal aspirations and challenges faced by one of football's most iconic figures.
